The Sea Nomads: A Dying Way of Life in Southeast Sulawesi

• Prize
  Honorable Mention
• Photographer
  Laura Bohn, Germany
• Date of Photograph
  August 2023
• Studio
  Laura Silvja Photography

The Bajau poeples have lived for centuries as sea nomads across Southeast Asia, relying on traditional, sustainable fishing and deep ecological knowledge passed down through generations. Their way of life, rooted in reciprocity and restraint, reflects a deep spiritual bond with the sea and a culture in harmony with nature. Today, rising sea temperatures, industrial overfishing and state policies threaten their survival. As climate change accelerates, we risk losing not only their ancient culture but also the irreplaceable indigenous knowledge crucial to understanding and protecting our oceans.